Synapses May Fire Neurotransmitters Like a Shotgun

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Research News from the Medical Institute

HHMI researchers have developed a " nano-map, " which shows the tiny

spines and valleys of the synapse resolved at nanometer scale. The map

is already changing scientists' views of the synaptic landscape.

The researchers' in silico modeling indicates that the synapse may

behave more like a shotgun than a rifle when it comes to firing the

neurotransmitters involved in neuronal communication. Their studies are

challenging the textbook notion of how synapses release

neurotransmitters.

Research published in the July 15, 2005, issue of Science.

HHMI investigator(s):

Terrence J. Sejnowski, Ph.D., The Salk Institute for Biological

Studies

For the full story, go to http://www.hhmi.org//news/sejnowski3.html